In the debut episode of the new GeekWeek Web series ComiCenter Live, writer and industry legend Mark Waid and ComicsAlliance editor Andy Khouri sat down for an extremely frank discussion about the state of digital comics. Hosted by Atom! Freeman with Bryan J. Daggett, the conversation covered virtually all areas of the topic, from issues with pricing and distribution models, the digital revolution's impact upon traditional retailers, digital piracy of comics, and the nature of comic book storytelling itself, among other points. It's an insightful and entertaining conversation that we encourage you to watch in the video after the jump.

NOTE: Conversation contains some NSFW language.



ComiCenter Live host Atom! Freeman is the co-owner of Brave New World Comics in Santa Clarita, California, just a few miles north of Los Angeles. In addition to his experience as a comics retailer, he's worked in a marketing capacity for such companies as Fatangraphics Books and Top Cow Productions. Co-hosted by GeekWeek blogger and podcaster Bryan J. Daggett, ComiCenter Live show is designed to bring comic book professionals together for honest and robust discussions about the critical issues facing the industry. The series airs every Tuesday night at 7pm PST at GeekWeekLive, and will also be archived for viewing-on-demand.

Mark Waid has been outspoken in his advocacy of a digital future for comics, telling ComicsAlliance last December that he intends to work almost exclusively in the digital space at some point in the future, making him a natural choice for one of ComiCenter Live's inaugural guests. Beyond his many years' experience as a professional comics journalist, CA's Andy Khouri previously worked in the downloadable music space, giving him a unique insight into the progress of digital comics.

Naturally, the debate around digital comics continues, and we invite ComicsAlliance readers to share their thoughts on the discussion in the comments section below.